Squid run arrives offshore in LJ

A seasonal run of squid off La Jolla Cove drew an unusually large number of fishing boats and kayaks on Wednesday morning.

The stars were aligned, the tides were perfect and the water was just the right temperature-- bringing massive amounts of yellowtail to the local coast line.

Bringing in about $18.00 per pound, Rick Robinson had a huge score. His 53-pound fish was verified by a digital scale.

The giant fish was caught with a 25-pound test line took about 30 minutes to pull in. "My kayak was moving like a motor boat" he said. "I am taking my fish to Point Loma to get registered and then buying a lottery ticket. I think this is a kayaking record. A catch of a lifetime."

A spokesman for Seaforth Sport Fishing and another at La Jolla Kayak confirmed the activity is normal for this time of year.

The arrival of the squid draws what are known as "light boats," which carry bright illumination to attract the cephalopods. Seiners follow to bring in the catch.

While fisherman aboard the accompanying seiners are after the squid, the kayakers are after the yellowtail that follow them, said Shane McCoy at La Jolla Kayak.